ChromeOS Flex
ChromeOS Flex is an operating system maintained by Google that is based on ChromeOS.[1]
History
[edit]In December 2020, Google purchased Neverware, developer of Cloudready, a version of ChromiumOS designed to run on Windows and MacOS hardware.[2][3]
On February 15, 2022, Google announced "early access" to the ChromeOS Flex operating system. Google claims that the operating system is intended for older computers that may not properly run their current OS, and that the solution will eliminate the need for users to buy new hardware.[4]
In July 2022, Google officially launched the operating system. The blog post by them explains Nordic Choice Hotels choice to switch switched to ChromeOS Flex after a ransomware attack.[5]
Installation
[edit]Google offers a list of supported devices on their support site.[6] Unsupported devices may not guarantee stability. The user will need a USB flash drive, a computer to create the installation media, and the computer to install the operating system on.[7]
System requirements
[edit]Although Google offers a list of supported devices, they offer a general system requirements list. The minimum system requirements for ChromeOS Flex are:[7][8]
- Intel or AMD x86 with 64 bit device,
- 4 GB of RAM (memory),
- 16 GB of internal storage,
- The system must be bootable from a USB flash drive,
- Access to the system BIOS
Process
[edit]The user can use either the Chromebook Recovery Utility extension available from the Chrome Web Store, or download the installer image directly.[9] After preparing the installation media, the user will then need to boot the machine from the USB flash drive.[10] After booting into the installer, the user can try out the operating system before installation, and/or install it onto the machine directly. The user would follow the on-screen instructions of the installer, noting that all data on the device will be erased during the installation.[11] After installation, the user can set up device management on the devices.[12]
Usage and functionality
[edit]ChromeOS Flex shares much of the same features as ChromeOS. However, there are some differences between the two. For example, there are some security differences, especially with hardware, lack of Google Play and Android app support, and differences in guarantees of performance and stability.[13]
References
[edit]- ^ "ChromeOS Flex: Our Cloud-Based Operating System - ChromeOS". chromeos.google. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "Google acquires Neverware bringing official support to Cloudready OS". Chrome Unboxed - The Latest Chrome OS News. 2020-12-15. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ Salter, Jim (2020-12-16). "Google bought CloudReady, the largest ChromiumOS distribution". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ Harding, Scharon (2022-02-15). "Google turns old Macs, PCs into Chromebooks with Chrome OS Flex". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "Google Formally Launches ChromeOS Flex; Says Almost 300 Devices Certified". Sixteen:Nine. 2022-07-15. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "Certified models list". ChromeOS Flex Help. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ a b "Prepare for installation - ChromeOS Flex Help". support.google.com. Archived from the original on 2025-04-03. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "Your Windows 10 PC isn't dead yet - this OS from Google can revive it". ZDNET. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "1. Create the USB installer". ChromeOS Flex Help. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "2. Boot device using the USB installer". ChromeOS Flex Help. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "3. Start using ChromeOS Flex". ChromeOS Flex Help. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "4. Set up device management for your organization". ChromeOS Flex Help. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
- ^ "Differences between ChromeOS Flex and ChromeOS - ChromeOS Flex Help". support.google.com. Archived from the original on 2025-04-02. Retrieved 2025-04-19.